Public can sign up for Inaugural Ball tickets

Washington Post

Published 10:38 pm, Friday, December 28, 2012

WASHINGTON — People who wish to attend the official Inaugural Ball with President Barack Obama and wife after his swearing-in ceremony next month were able to begin signing up Friday to obtain a limited number of tickets, a source at the Presidential Inaugural Committee said.

In light of the struggling economy, the committee — which is overseeing the planning of the Inauguration Day parade, the balls and other events before and after the oath-taking ceremony — will hold only two official balls this time: the Inaugural Ball and the Commander-in-Chief's Ball.

Those who sign up for Inaugural Ball tickets will receive notification by email when tickets become available along with a link where they can request up to two tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Commander-in-Chief's Ball is for invited military guests only and is free.

Obama will take the official oath of office beginning his second term Jan. 20. He will take the oath again Jan. 21 in a public ceremony at the Capitol.